Do not talk about the ‘D’ word, nor refer to topics such as ‘rehab’, ‘recovery’, or ‘overdose’, instructs Blush/Culture Machine’s new video starring Prateik Babbar.

The 3-minute video is an ironic take on our refusal to talk about ‘taboo’ topics such as drug abuse and addiction.

Last year, Babbar had opened up about his drug addiction and his time in rehab and counselling in an interview with the Mid-Day. In this video, he is once again seen facing that low point in his life.This time, however, he has a specific question to ask: “I have moved on, will you?”

‘My Struggle Is Not My Identity’

The video shows Babbar performing everyday tasks, exercising, and playing football with friends, among other things.This ‘everydayness’ of Babbar’s world is meant to draw attention to his ‘ordinariness’. It counters the ‘othering’ that he was subjected to – be it to through sideways glances, gossip, or overt ostracisation – because of his addiction.The video negates the equating of one’s struggle with one’s identity.The background score of the video, sung by Babbar himself, talks of disappearance into the black, such that one feels ashamed of light. At the same time, it proudly proclaims, “I am alive.”

#DilSeAzaad

The message that the video attempts to put across is that there is a need to overcome our own addictions, that is, our judgements and biases towards people who have suffered or are suffering from drug addiction.The video description reads, “We talk in hushed tones, we give them the sideways glance, and we keep our families away from them. They are the ex-addicts, but while they have moved on, we continue to stay addicted!”

The ‘azaadi’ theme certainly fits with Independence Day around the corner!